Audit of Captive Breeding in a University Zoo Facility in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects
Audit of Captive Breeding in a University Zoo Facility in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects
John Ogunsola1*, Richard E. Antia2, Benjamin O. Emikpe2 and Olajumoke A. Morenikeji3
ABSTRACT
Reports on captive breeding of zoo animals are scanty in literature especially in an African setting. The understanding of challenges and prospects of captive breeding will aid conservation of zoo animals especially those endangered. This report evaluates unaided, sporadic, captive breeding of zoo animals over a 10-year span. Clinical records of observed gestation or egg-laying, as well as successful or failed parturition or hatching of various species of captive animals were obtained. The animals included reptiles, amphibians, aves and mammals, with both sexes placed in the same enclosure with some degree of access to one another. Among mammals, survival rates of neonates ranged from 0% in Dorcas gazelles (Gazella dorcas; n=2) to 100% in Green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus; n=2) and Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas; n=3), and crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus; n=32). Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata), black cobra (Naja nigricollis) and lions (Panthera leo) had survival rates of their hatchlings/neonates to be 83%, 95% and, 67% respectively. The challenges include absence of a pseudo-naturalistic environment, poor fostering ability and inadequate perinatal care. The prospects, if these challenges are addressed, are potentially humongous and rewarding. When appropriate management and health practices are put in place, wild animals in captivity can be successfully bred; thus, offering captive breeding as a veritable tool for conservation.
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